The Grandparents’ scam is back on, and it appears so authentic it will almost have you believing it.
Police advise it’s circulating again- and here’s how it works.
Someone claiming to be a family member calls you up.
There’s been an incident- most often an accident they claim to have been responsible for, and they need your help to make bail.
To add authenticity, the scammer is crying, which distorts their voice.
Their request is simple- send money; or, more often, send gift cards to make up the amount and get them released… and don’t tell anybody.
In Canada, bail hearings take place in public court- and if a financial penalty is assessed, no one ever demands gift cards for it.
Don’t call the “grandchild” back at the number they give you- use the one you have on file, or obtain from Canada411.
If you know of someone likely to fall prey to the ruse, give them a heads-up about the grandparents scam and save them a small fortune.
Should the scam happen to you, alert the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.
